Dojo

A Home for Karate

For the first twenty-six years of Brothock Shotokan Karate Club’s history we trained in local authority sports facilities.

Those venues served us well and allowed the club to grow, but like many clubs we experienced the limitations that come with hiring shared facilities. Every session began by setting up equipment and finished by packing everything away. Training times were dictated by availability and creating the atmosphere of a traditional dojo was always challenging.

In 2011 we moved into our current premises at East Grimsby as tenants. Almost immediately we recognised something different. For the first time we had the opportunity to create a genuine dojo.

Ten years later, when the opportunity arose to purchase the building, it was one we simply could not ignore.

Owning our own dojo has transformed the way we teach. Rather than structuring classes around sports hall availability, we can structure them around the needs of our students.

Our pathway now allows Tiger Cubs, beginners, intermediate grades, advanced students and black belts to train alongside others of similar age and experience. This creates a richer learning environment where every student can progress at an appropriate pace while receiving coaching tailored to their stage of development.

Just as importantly, the atmosphere is very different. Students often arrive early to train together and stay behind after class discussing techniques, preparing for gradings or simply enjoying each other’s company. Wherever possible, members are welcome to use the dojo for additional training free of charge because we believe improvement comes through spending time together, not simply attending lessons.

The dojo has become far more than somewhere we teach karate. It has become the heart of Brothock Shotokan Karate Club.

Respect for the Dojo

Traditional karate teaches that respect extends far beyond the techniques we practise.

Every class finishes by ensuring the training floor is clean and ready for those who follow. It is a simple gesture, but one that reflects an important principle: always leave something in at least as good a condition as you found it.

The Story of Our Dojo

While researching old photographs and local archives we quickly realised that our dojo has a remarkable story of its own.

Many local people remember the building as the Red Cross Hall, while others remember it as the Mayflower Hall.

Title documents confirm that a hall already existed on this site during the early twentieth century when ownership passed from trustees of the United Free Church of Scotland to trustees representing local Boy Scout troops. Exactly when the original hall was first constructed remains something we continue to research.

By the middle of the twentieth century the building had become one of Arbroath’s best-known community venues.

The name Mayflower Hall comes directly from Arbroath’s proud textile heritage. Francis Webster & Sons, founded in the late eighteenth century, were commissioned to weave the canvas sails for the replica Mayflower II, which sailed from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1957. In recognition of this achievement, the Alma and Burnside Social Club renamed their hall the Mayflower Hall in 1959.

Throughout the following decades the building hosted dances, coffee mornings, fundraising events, Scout gatherings, children’s parties, pensioners’ clubs and countless community organisations.

One newspaper photograph from 1964 shows local band The Vegas performing their very first public performance in the hall. Their drummer, Morris Pert, later became an internationally respected percussionist and composer, performing alongside artists including Phil Collins, Mike Oldfield and Pete Townshend before becoming Professor of Percussion at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

Many Arbroath residents also remember attending the famous teenage dances, simply known as “going to the Teenagers.”

In later years the building became closely associated with the British Red Cross before, for a period, returning to one of its earliest purposes as a place of worship through the Nigerian Christian Redemption Church.

In 2011 Brothock Shotokan Karate Club became part of the building’s continuing story.

Continuing the Tradition

Purchasing the building in 2021 marked the beginning of an ambitious programme of renovation and investment.

Our aim has never simply been to modernise the building. Instead, we have sought to preserve an important part of Arbroath’s community heritage while creating a modern, accessible and sustainable dojo for future generations.

Work has included improvements to the roof, windows, heating, electrical systems, lighting, accessibility, changing facilities, kitchen, toilets, training areas and overall energy efficiency.

The project continues today, reflecting our long-term commitment both to our members and to the building itself.

A Space for the Community

Although karate remains at the heart of everything we do, we believe this building should continue serving the wider community, just as it has done for generations.

Today the dojo is home to Sharon Stewart Zumba and Fitness together with Tai Chi, personal trainers, meetings, seminars and community organisations. Over the years it has also welcomed yoga, Pilates, drama rehearsals, sports massage, local bands and training courses.

We understand that every organisation has different requirements. Whether you are looking for a venue for a one-off event, regular weekly hire or are establishing a new club or business, we are always happy to discuss flexible arrangements. Where possible, we will support new organisations with favourable rates while they establish themselves.

Facilities include a sprung wooden floor or fully matted training area, mirrored wall, professional sound system, kitchen, showers, changing rooms, sauna, steam room, small weights area, disabled facilities and parking.

More than simply hiring out a hall, we hope to provide a welcoming environment where people feel genuinely supported.